Holiday Party!

Hello!

On Wed. this week, we will watch a holiday movie and have a treat party.  We welcome you to bring in a class treat.  We have 32 students total.  (We have a few peanut allergies, so please no snacks with peanut ingredients.) 

Students may wear their pajamas for the fun! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Short Week

There will be no story or spelling list next week!  (12-19-11)  

Coloring Contest!

Congratulations to Xeri for winning the 3rd Grade Winter Coloring Contest! 

Spelling Bee

Congratulations to our class winners!

1st Place- Alec

2nd Place- Jaeger

3rd Place- Natalie  

Spirit Week

Ranch Elementary

School Spirit Week

Is Next Week !!!

DECEMBER 12^th – 16^th!!!

Show your school spirit!  Join us in the festivities to show your Roadrunner Pride!

Monday:  Pajama Day!

Tuesday:  Twin Day!

Wednesday:  Crazy Hair Day!

Thursday:   Sports Day!

Friday:  Movie Star Day!

December Newsletter

Happy December!

It’s hard to believe we are almost half way done with the school year!  Ranch third graders have been working super hard on various concepts in reading, writing, and math.  We also found time to squeeze in an academic field trip to Schnepf Farms.  The children had a blast picking vegetables and touring the farm.  Thank you to all parents who helped make this fantastic day possible!

Please continue to practice math facts at home.  Math Facts Club starts in January.  We want as many students as possible to earn that math medal!  Practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication at home to ensure memorization and fluency.  Visit www.maths-games.org  for cool math games that your child will enjoy. 

Report cards are coming soon.  Please check Jupiter to monitor grades and progress.  This is a powerful communication tool that enables teachers to share their grade book with parents. 

We will continue to work hard as we strive to achieve all of our academic goals! 

Thanks for your continuous support!  

Mrs. Alva   

Thanksgiving Lunch With Your Child

Come have a feast with your child for lunch on Wednesday, November 23. The cafeteria will be serving sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, buttered corn, applesauce, and cookies. The cost for lunch is $3.00. Please call the front office at 480-882-3530 to reserve your spot.

Missing Assignments

Please check Jupiter Grades for missing assignments.  I am sending home hard copies for those students who have missing work.  Please be sure all assignments are turned in as soon as possible. 

AR

Reminder!!!!!


We are halfway through quarter two, which means your child should be halfway to their AR goal.  Please login to Accelerated Reader to check your child's progress.  Please note that point goal and test average are calculated into your child's final report card.


Thanks for staying updated on your child's academics!

Short Week

Due to the short week, we will not be doing a story or spelling list.  Instead, we will use this time for skill review and AIMS preparation.  


Have a great day!

Open House

Open House

Tues., Nov. 15th 

5:15-7:30

Chaperones

Thanks so much for all who offered to chaperone our field trip.  I had an overwhelming amount of gracious volunteers, but unfortunately we only have eight slots available for "official" chaperones.  So to make it as fair as possible, I sent home a Chaperone Responsibility Agreement Form.  The first eight to turn in their forms were selected to chaperone our trip. 

Congratulations to;

• Mrs. Skowron
• Mrs. Dewitt
• Mrs. Riggs
• Mrs. Taunima
• Mrs. Nesheim
• Mrs. Moyes
• Mrs. Padget
• Ms. Palmer

Chaperones,
Please be at Ranch at 9:00am on Tues., Nov. 15th.

(If you were not selected but would still like to attend, you are more than welcome meet us at the farm.  The more the merrier!) 

Thanks again! 

Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that Field Trip permission slips and money are due today.  Please get that in as soon as possible, so we can pay our friends at Schnepf Farms.

Thanks!

Veteran's Day

No School Friday, Nov. 11th  

Thank a Veteran!

November Newsletter

Third grade is thrilled to visit Schnepf Farms for our first class field trip! Letters have been sent home with details regarding cost, lunch, chaperone opportunities, and all other important information. Please be sure to confirm your child’s attendance for this fun-filled day. This month we begin our multiplication unit. The students will be learning the process of multiplication as repeated addition, equal groups, fact families, and multiplication properties. We are still working toward that 85% or better Accelerated Reader goal. Students are striving to earn points while increasing comprehension. Don’t forget you can login into AR to keep updated on your child’s AR activity. Thank you for your continuous support!

Harvest Parade---No Homework!!!

The Harvest Parade is Monday, 10/31/11 at 1:45.

No Homework Tonight!

Be Safe!!!!

Field Trip!!!

Third Grade is thrilled to announce that we’ll be visiting Schnepf Farms for a vegetable picking field trip!  On Tues. Nov 15^th we will tour Schnepf Farms to learn about planting and picking nutritious vegetables.  The cost is $10.00 per student.  This includes admission and bus transportation.  We will be asking that all children bring a sack lunch, as we will be having lunch on the lawn at the farm before returning to school. 

The bus is scheduled to leave Ranch Elementary at 9:00am and is scheduled to depart Schnepf at 12:30pm. Please be sure your child comes prepared for an outdoor adventure that involves proper attire, such as comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, hats, water bottles, and sunscreen. (Be sure to label all personal items with a first and last name.)

 

Please fill out the permission form and return with your money by Monday Nov. 7^th. 

Red Ribbon Week

The Student Council Group is asking that you and your roadrunners demonstrate your commitment to living a healthy and drug-free lifestyle by celebrating with us next week!

Monday: Hang your “Pledge Ribbon” on the fence!

Each student will tie their own red ribbon on the fence (where the bicycles are stored) to surround a sign that reads, “Ranch Roadrunners are Drug-Free!"

Tuesday: Hang your paper ribbon in the hallways!

Students will decorate and cut out a paper red ribbon (be creative!). Then decorate the hallways around your classroom with them!

Wednesday: Enter the school slogan contest!

Students will develop a catchy slogan about living drug-free and enter the Red Ribbon Week Slogan Contest!

Thursday: Sign Your “Class Pledge” banner!

Students will sign a banner to pledge their commitment to living a healthy and drug-free lifestyle! Hang the banner in your classroom or in the hallway!

Friday: Wear as much RED as you can on this day!

Wear red head-to-toe! Red hair color is permitted on this day!



Parent Teacher Conferences

Don't forget that Parent/Teacher Conferences are this week Oct. 20-21. If you haven't confirmed your appointment time, please do so as soon as possible. I'll try my best to schedule at your convenience.

Multicultural Club

Multicultural Club will be cancelled this week due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Fall Break

Have a wonderful Fall Break! See you back on Tuesday Oct. 18th.

October Newsletter

Third grade is working harder than ever to achieve our academic goals and benchmarks. DIBELS Next Reports went home last month.  We hope you had a chance to review these reports, as DIBELS is an excellent indicator of reading skill.  Our next DIBELS goal is 92 words per minute with 96% or above accuracy.  Please be sure to have your child read out loud for at least twenty minutes each night in order to meet or exceed this grade level benchmark. 

We are still accepting classroom supplies.  We’re collecting pencils, copy paper, construction paper, healthy snacks, hand sanitizer, tissue, and anything else that may be useful in a classroom.

Don’t forget to turn in your Parent Volunteer Packets if you will be donating your time to Ranch Elementary.  Ms. Debbie will get you a nametag and a government issued Fingerprint Clearance Card.  Child safety is our top priority!

Happy Fall! 

Katelyn

Hello Students,
As you know, Katelyn is moving to South Carolina.  Katelyn and her mother gave us permission to contact her through letters and email.  Below is her contact information.  Let Katelyn know how much we miss her!

Letters:
205 St. James Ave.
Suite 2-157
Goose Creek, S.C. 29445

Email:
kkjeanwagoner@yahoo.com

Volunteer Packet

Parents,

Please remember that if you’re willing to volunteer at Ranch Elementary, it’s important to fill out the Volunteer Packet.  This paperwork allows JO Combs to run background checks on adults working or volunteering within a school environment.  JO Combs will take responsibility for the cost of Fingerprint Clearance Cards.  This is a district implementation used as a means to keep our children safe.  Please let me know if you need a Volunteer Packet.  

Thanks!

Progress Reports

Reminder:
Progress Reports go home today! Don't forget you can always login to Jupiter to keep track of your child's grades.

http://www.jupitergrades.com/

Chick Fil-A Fundraiser

Don't Forget tomorrow from 5:30-7:30, is our Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser! I'll be there at 5:30 hanging out with Rocky the Roadrunner. Come join the fun while we eat and raise money for Ranch Elementary!

Picture Day

Reminder:  Picture Day is this Thursday, Sep. 1st.  

Chapter 1 Math Test

This Friday will be the Chapter 1 Math Test. We have been working on the following concepts:

• Number Sense
• Comparing Numbers (>,<,=)
• Ordering Numbers
• Rounding to the nearest 10
• Rounding to the nearest 100
• Money 

We will have a thorough class review on Thursday. Thursday’s homework will be a review that is similar to Friday’s test. Please be sure you work each problem with your child checking for mastery.

Thanks for your support!

Promote Higher Education

Help Ranch Elementary promote higher education by wearing your favorite college or Combs High School shirt!

When: The last Wednesday of every month

Starts tomorrow!! 

I'll be wearing my ASU jersey! 

Jupiter Grades

Parents,
Remember to login to Jupiter to keep track of your child's grades. 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our class for winning the Cleanest Classroom Award this week!  Keep up the good work! 

STAR/AR

Your child recently took the Renaissance Star Test.  The STAR test is designed to help identify student reading levels.  You will receive a STAR Report today stating your child’s ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) and a numbered reading range.  This range will help students choose books in the library that are appropriate, yet challenging reading levels.  I have assigned Accelerated Reader point goals, as well as an average percentage goal.  The students will take AR tests to obtain points while striving to achieve an average of 85% or above.  Students who meet this criterion, will participate in quarterly AR celebrations!  Accelerated Reader points and test average will be calculated into overall reading grades at the end of each quarter.  I also sent home a Renaissance Home Connect.  This informative letter gives login information for parents.  You may login to your child’s account to view history of reading tests and grades.  It’s an excellent tool to keep you informed!

Have a great week!  

Class Auction

Dear Parents,

On the last Friday of every month, Mrs. Alva’s class will hold a classroom auction!  The students have been earning class money through jobs and good behavior.  The auction will provide the opportunity to buy and sell from one another. 

Students may bring one item from home to sell at auction, such as, an old book or small stuffed animal.  You may also choose to purchase an item from a store.  If you choose to do so, please have that item be school related. (i.e. bookmarks, decorative pencils, markers, etc.)  Purchased auction supplies should cost no more than $1.00.   

Please note that auction items are completely optional and are not required for a grade.  This is just a fun way to manage money and learn about profit and expenditure.

Thanks!

Mrs. Alva

Field Trip Funds

Parents,

Third grade teachers are hoping to take our students to Schnepf Farms for an October field trip.  In order to make this happen, we NEED your help! Take a look at the attached link to learn about tax credit donations.  All class donations are 100% tax deductible! If you decide to donate, please specify that you want the money to go directly to Ranch 3^rd grade field trip funds.

Thanks for your support!

http://www.jocombs.org/index.cfm?pID=672

Parent Volunteers Needed!

Hello,
Some of you expressed an interest in volunteering in the classroom.  I have a few parents scheduled, but we could still use some extra hands.  The more-the merrier!  Let me know if you're interested in helping out either at home or in the classroom.  Please email me so we can get you all set up.  Remember this is very flexible and works strictly off your schedule and availability.  Whatever works for you! 


Thanks for your time!!! 




balva@jocombs.k12.az.us
480-882-3530

Scholastic Online Orders

Book Club Order Due Date : September 2

Online Ordering Information

Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs

Class Activation Code: HQG4J

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.*

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

•   SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.

•   SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.

•   SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Thank you,

*Excludes eBooks.

Character Cards

We will be using Character Cards to track student behavior.  Each student will be expected to earn at least five stamps of good character in order to attend the Character Celebration on Friday afternoons. 

Students that demonstrate negative character will first be given a verbal warning.  If the negative behavior persists, the students will then be asked to flip their card and note the infraction.  Infractions lead to loss of recess and parent contact. 

All Character Cards go home on Fridays.  Parents, please sign and return Character Cards by Monday morning.  Please visit www.characteralways.com for more information on the Character Always program. 

Thanks!

Agendas

Parents,


Please be sure to sign or initial your child’s agenda Mon.-Thurs. In an effort to save paper and Go Green, we will not be using traditional reading logs. Instead, your initials under “parent comments” in the agenda, will stand as verification of completed reading homework. I will be keeping track of what your child reads through Accelerated Reader participation. I’ll send home quiz lists and scores periodically, as a means to keep you informed of AR progress.  


Thanks for your support!

Teacher Read Aloud

We are currently reading Danger in the Desert, by T.S. Fields. The children enjoy listening to this realistic fiction novel that takes place in Phoenix, AZ. Ask your child about what we're reading in class, as this helps increase listening and comprehension skills.

Homework

Homework will begin next week.  (Aug.  15th)


Mon.-Thurs.
No Homework on Fridays!!  


Reading- 20 min. ( Parents: Please sign agendas to show proof of reading.)


Math- Worksheet that reinforces the daily skill.


Spelling-Study words for at least 15 min.  

Specials Schedule

• Mon.     PE 1:50-2:20
• Tues.    Library  2:00-2:40
• Wed.    Orchard  11:45-12:15
• Thurs.   Music  1:50-2:20
• Fri.       Technology 1:50- 2:20

Our Class

Welcome to our class blog!!!  Please follow us to keep updated on all classroom announcements and activities. 

http://www.mrsalva3.blogspot.com/